Has the British Museum really removed references to ‘Palestine’ from exhibits?
France 24 Europe
by The FRANCE 24 ObserversFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The British Museum has faced accusations of removing references to "Palestine" from its exhibits under pressure from a pro-Israeli group. However, the museum clarifies that only specific panels and maps related to ancient regions were modified, not all mentions of Palestine. The changes, made last year, were aimed at ensuring historical accuracy, particularly in displays about the Middle East and ancient cultural regions like Canaan. The museum continues to use the term "Palestine" in numerous exhibits, including those dedicated to modern contexts such as Gaza and the West Bank.
The controversy began when media outlets reported that terms like "Palestine" had been removed from exhibits, sparking widespread debate. Critics argue that this erases Palestinian history and identity. The museum emphasized that it uses UN terminology for modern boundaries and refers to "Palestinian" as a cultural identifier where appropriate. For example, ancient maps now use the term "Canaan" to describe the southern Levant in the second millennium BC, aligning with historical context.
The British Museum denies claims of being pressured by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLIF), a pro-Israel group that reportedly urged changes to avoid misrepresenting history. The museum states its modifications were independent and based on academic considerations, not external pressure. This raises questions about the role of political influence in shaping historical narratives and how museums balance accuracy with cultural sensitivity.
The debate highlights broader concerns about how history is presented and perceived, particularly in politically charged contexts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The museum's approach underscores the importance of clarity and precision in historical representation, aiming to avoid misinterpretation while respecting diverse perspectives.
Ultimately, the controversy reflects the challenges museums face in curating exhibits that are both historically accurate and culturally sensitive. While the British Museum maintains it has acted responsibly, critics argue that removing "Palestine" undermines recognition of Palestinian heritage. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between historical accuracy and political sensitivities in public institutions.
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/25/2026